Fingerprint scanning at elementary school for lunch. Not informed or given a chance to opt out.

Well, in my mind it is probably simply a matter of convenience. It's easier than the OLD way, and parents will probably be OK with it
(kid's not losing id cards, lunch money etc.) So let's just do it and deal with those odd ball parents who don't think it's OK, later.

I would like to know who suggested it, and who suggested it to that person and all the way down the list...could be interesting to see where that
leads. Also reminds me that I want to see what company makes the scanners. In the article I found, they only had a quote from this guy:

Travis Smith, a security researcher at Tripwire, a Portland-based security company, says the technology is very safe. "It would be very difficult to
reuse this if not impossible," said Smith. He says using biometric data as a security tool is safer than a pin or password and exposing kids to this
type of security may be better in the long run. "Going forward, being a digital citizen and trying to secure yourself online, figuring out a way to
move beyond passwords is ideal," Smith said.

So once again, convenience is the driving force behind this technology. Though we are not the only ones benefiting from this 'free' service to be
sure.

I would request an alternative method to confirm identity, and also request any and all biometric data obtained be completely erased. I would also
request to be witness to these processes, and if that isn't possible request data that confirms their deletion.

That isn't right, no child should be subject to fingerprint identification. Especially in such a subtle manner that really wouldn't even make the
child aware something was wrong.

When signing up for the free lunch program, you probably agreed to all the T&C of the program.

Imo nothing's free. Applicants for government programs exchange personal information for services. Giving up some privacy is the cost for signing up.

Not saying that's the right way to go about it but it's the nature of the beast. I provided contracted services for medicaid clients, their
participation required giving up a lot of personal information but that's mainly because of all the damn fraud that goes on with government programs.

It comes from both sides too, providers and clients have to be watched. I know it may seem like a lot of trouble for lunch but look at the numbers.

In FY 2011, federal spending totaled $10.1 billion for the National School Lunch Program.

Don't take it personal but keep a close eye/voice your concerns or forego the program altogether. It's a sensitive subject but taxpayers demand
oversight for good reason and sometimes rule makers don't get it right or even close.

You're a taxpayer, you have the right to complain. Who knows maybe they'll change their ways if enough of you join in but I doubt you'll have much
luck with a law suit. Good luck either way.

This has been happening in the UK for a few years now. I was given the choice of my daughter opting out though which she did and started taking packed
lunches. Then they started rifling through kids packed lunches to see if they were suitable and making the packed lunch kids wait until almost the end
of the lunch time queues before letting them sit down. Got to the point where my daughter had to comply as she was missing her lunch....the object of
the game clearly

When I kicked up a fuss I was told it was to prevent children having to bring money to school and avoid kids who hadn't paid getting free lunches. God
forbid a hungry child should eat!

I cannot even comprehend this level of intrusiveness. Why is it so hard for a kid in K to remember a 3 or 4 digit number for their ID? When I was 5
years old, I knew my phone number and address and I think the ABC song!!! lol

originally posted by: TheConstruKctionofLight
a reply to: seeker11
schools usually can only act in certain matters without parental consent in the case of an emergency.

You never gave permission, the child is a minor, ask for the data back, threaten law suit and commensurate damages!!!!

Threads like this always make me laugh. The amount of "get a lawyer!" and "sue em and get that monies!1!" type of comments rise almost to sovereign
citizen levels. Always so much "leave me alone dammit" talk on ats, followed closely by "get a lawyer because lawyers fix everything!"

OP - talk to a lawyer, but for god's sake don't pay him or her a dime just to consult with you. And sure as hell don't expect some payout from this.
Best case scenario you get them to stop the program for this year and they apologize for not communicating it better.

But I think your best bet is to keep a close eye on this, if they roll it back and there's any kind of public forum, go to it and make your feelings
heard. But for the love of Velcro shoes and recess, don't spend money on a lawyer unless you consider an apology to be worth spending money to get.

Can't hide from the future forever. Just like everyone wigged out about debit cards when they started to come out.....

My previous job (5years ago) we had to use a finger print scanner to clock in and out. They had cards at one point but people kept clocking in their
buddies when they were not at work. Eventually they switched to finger print scanner. It actually scans all your fingers not just thumb.

They started that at our elementary school a few years ago, I opted out back then, now they don't even ask! They make every student use it, because
it's faster for the kids to get their lunches, & they can tell who gets free or reduced lunches. To be honest, I don't like it either, especially not
being asked!! But I figured, since my baby is in 7th now, I'll choose my battles, so I'm letting this one slide for now......

That's the thing though, I didn't sign up for it, it was offered as a free service to all kids. No application required. I understand if I actually
had to fill out an application and this was in the fine print then that's my problem for not performing due diligence.

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